Cocktails

Italia in Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026: Milan leads the way, Rome holds its ground, Florence on the rise

There are nine Italian brands in the rankings, a result that is unrivalled in Europe. Moebius is the top Italian brand, in sixth place

by Camilla Rocca

2 July 2026

Vino nella mixology? Una storia lunga e nobile, ma occhio agli sprechi

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The 2026 edition of Europe’s 50 Best Bars (won by Line in Athens) confirms Italia’s position amongst the most significant hubs on the European mixology scene, with a presence spanning several cities and the consolidation of already established venues. The overall figures highlight growth that is more qualitative than quantitative, in line with the sector’s maturing phase. In essence, Italia is a country where one can enjoy excellent drinks. In fact, there are no fewer than nine bars in the ranking – a result matched by no other European nation.

The Italian presence remains concentrated mainly in Milan, Rome and Florence, with a gradual expansion into new, emerging cities. Milan remains the main national hub, both in terms of the number of brands present and its consistent ranking in international league tables. Rome maintains a stable presence, whilst Florence is consolidating its role in the contemporary hospitality sector, contributing to the geographical diversification of Italy’s offering.

Milan: the city of drinks, the queen of mixology

Milan remains Italy’s leading hub for European mixology. In particular, venues such as Moebius Milano continue to hold a prominent position on the international scene, indicating a phase of consolidation rather than expansion, and ranking sixth. Camparino in Galleria, a historic Milanese establishment, comes in 18th place, whilst the Speak Easy 1930, led by Benjamin Cavagna and Flavio Angiolillo. Also in 49th place is the Rita cocktail bar, run by Edoardo Nono and Chiara Buzzi, which was previously named ‘Best Discover’ last year. Compared to the 2025 ranking, the city’s overall position highlights greater stability amongst the top-ranked venues, with a strengthened ability to maintain consistent performance over time within the European circuit.

Rome: stability and continuity in planning

Rome confirms its place in the rankings, underpinned by concepts that are now well-established on the international scene, including Freni e Frizioni in 31st place and Drink Kong, which continues to be one of the most recognisable examples of Italian bar design and mixology, in 32nd place. A comparison with the previous year reveals a stabilising trend: the city maintains its position in the European ranking without any significant structural changes, signalling a phase of maturity in the local market.

Florence and the emergence of new urban centres

Florence is continuing its growth trajectory in the contemporary mixology sector, contributing to a gradual shift away from the traditional hubs of Milan and Rome. This phenomenon is part of a wider European trend towards the geographical spread of high-end bars, which are no longer concentrated exclusively in economic capitals. Locale is in fact ranked 21st in the European rankings. Gucci Giardino has climbed to 29th place after entering the list last year. Naples is holding its own with L’Antiquario, which has secured 28th place.

A comparison with last year’s edition

A comparison between the 2025 and 2026 editions of Europe’s 50 Best Bars reveals that, for Italia, the trend has been less ‘disruptive’ than in previous periods and more geared towards stabilising its overall position on the European scene. Firstly, there has been a reduction in volatility in the rankings, with fewer significant entries and exits among Italian establishments compared with the previous year. This indicates a gradual strengthening of already established positions, which tend to maintain their ranking within the European system with greater consistency.

Secondly, the Italian market appears to be characterised by a phase of competitive consolidation, in which growth is no longer linked primarily to the emergence of new players, but to the ability of existing brands to maintain high quality standards and continuity in their business plans. The result is a less fragmented and more structured system, in which international reputation becomes a stable asset rather than a fleeting one. A further factor concerns the sector’s geographical maturation, with a gradual spread of excellence beyond the traditional hubs of Milan and Rome. Although these two cities remain central to Italia’s positioning, the presence of other urban areas is growing stronger, confirming a process of territorial expansion for high-end mixology. Overall, the two-year period 2025–2026 therefore reveals a more mature, stable Italian system that is fully integrated into the European circuit, with growth expressed primarily in terms of consolidation rather than acceleration.